Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)
DistilleryGlen GrantCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.5%53%
Age20 yr13 yr
Price£106.37£125.29
Rating5.00/5

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner45/100
Value47/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £106 vs £125.

For beginners: Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£106.37 vs £125.29)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 13 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£125.29 vs £106.37)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

VanillaCooked FruitHoneyToasted

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

SmokeyDried FruitMedicinalOily

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